Olympian Noah Lyles Reveals His Otaku Side Yet Again

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Olympian Noah Lyles Reveals His Otaku Side Yet Again

Highlights

  • Noah Lyles won gold at the Paris Olympics and celebrated with a Goku-inspired Kamehameha pose, showing his love for anime.
  • Lyles openly shares his otaku side, from Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to Dragon Ball Z poses, inspiring fans globally.
  • The athlete’s public love for anime and manga serves as a unifier and shows it’s okay to be proud of being a geek.

As an ardent anime fan and a sports enthusiast, witnessing Noah Lyles’ triumph at the Paris Olympics has been nothing short of exhilarating! The fact that this athletic titan openly embraces his otaku side is truly inspiring. It’s not every day you see a world-class athlete paying homage to Goku and Akira Toriyama in such an epic fashion!

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m completely hooked on the buzz surrounding the Paris Olympics. Even for folks who usually don’t care much about sports, there’s an irresistible pull to these games due to the compelling human stories unfolding. It’s easy to forget that these athletes are people just like us, each with their unique narratives. One athlete, in particular, has stolen the hearts of otaku worldwide after he courageously confessed his shared love for anime and video games.

Noah Lyles, a renowned track and field athlete from the United States, recently clinched his first gold medal in the 100m men’s dash. While this achievement might have been unfamiliar to some, anime enthusiasts worldwide were already acquainted with him due to his unique gesture of carrying a Yu-Gi-Oh! card under his shirt and posing with a Duel Disk a few weeks ago. In a touching display at the recent award ceremony for his victory, Lyles showcased his affection for another iconic anime series – Dragon Ball Z.

An Olympian and a Classic Anime Fan

Noah Lyles Must Have Been a Toonami Kid

Olympian Noah Lyles Reveals His Otaku Side Yet Again

Noah Lyles initially grabbed online attention towards the end of June, while he was still trying to secure a spot for the Paris Olympics. During the Olympic Team Trials, he was already the defending champion, but it wasn’t his title that brought him into focus. Instead, it was when he began showing off Yu-Gi-Oh! cards hidden in his uniform. The notable ones were Exodia and then the highly recognized Blue Eyes White Dragon card, which he mentioned was just a prelude since he had “the left and right arms [already] and I’ve got the legs coming tomorrow,” as reported on the official Olympics website.

Noah Lyles, as expected, delivered on his word, presenting a Duel Deck containing all pieces of Exodia prior to his 200m race. This wasn’t the first time he displayed his affection for anime and manga; in fact, it was quite evident even before major events. In 2019, Lyles colored his hair silver at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, explaining that it mirrored Goku’s hair change when he assumes his ultimate form. Later in 2021, during an interview, Lyles revealed his favorite anime series to be “Fullmetal Alchemist” and his preferred manga “Gate of Eden.” Lyles has been vocal about his enthusiasm for anime and manga, which have gained popularity in recent years, making their presence felt even in professional sports circles.

Being 27 and an American, it’s quite possible that Lyles spent his evenings as a child watching anime on Toonami, the late-night TV block known for airing English dubbed anime in the U.S. Shows like Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon Ball Z, and Yu-Gi-Oh! were common on Toonami during the 2000s. Although Noah Lyles is a world-class athlete that many can only aspire to, he shares the relatable experience of growing up watching Toonami with American anime fans, just like him.

The Most Epic Kamehameha

Goku Would Be Proud

2024 saw Noah Lyles triumphing in the 100m dash at the Paris Olympics on August 4th, making him the fastest man momentarily worldwide. This was his debut Olympic medal, specifically a gold one, which is already an accomplishment worthy of pride for Lyles and a mark he’ll be associated with. However, the sportsman outdid himself, creating a memory that might eclipse even his race victory – he struck a pose reminiscent of anime characters in celebration, captivating fans across the globe.

In the spirit of Goku, I channeled his iconic energy attack, the Kamehameha, following my photo-finish triumph in the race. Back in March, when the visionary behind Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, left us, I took to Instagram to honor this legendary mangaka, sharing a picture of me striking the Kamehameha pose as a tribute to him.

Have you ever pondered over the reason I position my hands, palms joined in front of me? It’s due to Goku’s habit.

If you ever wonder why I scream out before a big race it’s because Goku did.

If you ever wonder why I dye my hair different colors it’s because Goku did.

If you ever wonder why I reach my hands to the sky before my best races it’s bc Goku did.

The profound impact that the works of Akira Toriyama have made on my life cannot be overstated. You’ve inspired far beyond what you may realize. Rest in peace, a creator who has touched the lives of countless individuals.

After winning at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it’s plausible that the athlete had thoughts akin to his triumph, reminiscent perhaps. Inspired by Goku, he emulated the iconic pose to celebrate, paying tribute to Toriyama and maintaining his dedication to anime for the global audience. This continual nod to anime and manga has garnered Lyles admiration and esteem not only from athletes but also from fans of anime and manga around the world.

Noah Lyles demonstrates to anime enthusiasts worldwide that it’s perfectly fine to openly embrace your passion for anime and manga, and there’s no shame in being a self-proclaimed geek. Regardless of being an athlete or any other profession, you can be an anime fan without any limitations. Moreover, his open affection for anime underscores the idea that it can serve as a powerful bond, uniting fans from various regions who share this common interest. The Olympics provide an ideal platform to showcase unity among people worldwide, and Noah Lyles has achieved this not only in sports but also in the realm of anime fandom.

Sources: Olympics Official, Time, IGN

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2024-08-09 02:35